Holistics

I was contacted by a guy whose wife has stage four lung cancer. This is terminal and the oncologists won't treat her any more. He wanted methyl jasmonate for her treatment. I told him that MJ was her only hope since it could be inhaled directed into the lungs with a simple steam inhaler. He didn't have a PayPal account so his friend sent me the money. His friend, a woman named Georgie, is a real character. She told me that he knows that his wife is going to die, but he has to do something.
 
Well...the MJ worked and in a very short period of time.
 
This woman was confined to a wheel chair. She couldn't walk. Hell, she could barely breathe. She had such poor lung capacity that in the beginning she couldn't finish the weekly MJ/steam treatments.
 
A few days ago she visited her primary physician. With the help of a walker, she walked into his office under her own power. No wheel chair. He couldn't believe it. Her energy level is returning, she is more alert, and her lung functioning is almost back to normal. There is no question that MJ is inducing necrosis in her massive lung tumors. Otherwise, there is NO way that she could rebound this quickly. Programed cell death is a very slow process, but necrosis is immediate.
 
And they want to go on the record with their MJ treatments. They want the world to know that maybe, just maybe, lung cancer can be defeated with a simple compound like inhaled methyl jasmonate.  
 
And that's pretty cool. 

After she regains her strength and lung capacity back, maybe they can get a PET or CAT scan to positively document the reduction in tumor load. That would be incredible.

In the last few weeks, I have discussed the importance of targeting cancer stem cells in the treatment of cancer and leukemias. These cells are resistant to programmed cell death induced by chemo drugs and radiation. BUT, and this is a critical point, NO cell is resistant to a reduction in ATP levels resulting in necrosis. Methyl jasmonate is the most powerful inhibitor of ATP synthesis (necrosis) yet identified.

We are getting closer and closer every day to developing simple effective treatments for the treatment of cancers and leukemias.

Stay tuned...

Grouppe Kurosawa, Medicine in the Public Interest

http://www.grouppekurosawa.com

In the previous essay, I discussed NF-kappaB and how it promotes the survival of cancer stem cells. In this essay I will discuss the growth factors for cancer and normal stem cells.

The WNT pathway stimulates the growth of both normal and cancer stem cells. The WNT complex exists on the outer membrane of cells. When stimulated, it activates a protein called beta-catenin that migrates into the nucleus to activate various genes. Over expression of the WNT/beta-catenin pathway is very common in cancers of all types. The following is an excellent review article on WNT signaling and cancer stem cell growth. It can be read online.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/queryd.fcgi?db=pubmed&cmd=Retrieve&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=17979879&itool=pubmed_docsum

WNT signaling mediates resistance to radiation and chemotherapy in breast cancer stem and progenitor cells.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/queryd.fcgi?db=pubmed&cmd=Retrieve&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=17979879&itool=pubmed_docsum

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/queryd.fcgi?db=pubmed&cmd=Retrieve&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=18539959&itool=pubmed_docsum

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/queryd.fcgi?db=pubmed&cmd=Retrieve&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=18519688&itool=pubmed_docsum

The presence of these resistant stem cells in the bulk cancer propulation is one of the reasons that the five year survival rate for chemotherapy alone in 22 different cancers is only 2%.

The enzyme GSK-3 forms a complex with beta-catenin and promotes its degradation in the proteasome. This is a feedback mechanism that prevents the excessive accumulation of beta-catenin in cells. Activators of cyclic AMP formation, via the further activation of protein kinase A, inactivate GSK-3 thereby allowing beta-catenin to remain active.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/queryd.fcgi?db=pubmed&cmd=Retrieve&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=17990294&itool=pubmed_docsum

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/queryd.fcgi?db=pubmed&cmd=Retrieve&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=16199882&itool=pubmed_docsum

Many hormones and compounds can increase the level of cyclic AMP/PKA in cells. The prostaglandin PGE2 and stress hormones epinephrine/norepinephrine are the major activators of cyclic AMP signaling.

We have many cyclic AMP signaling hormone inhibitors at our disposal. These will be discussed in the next essay.

Stay tuned...

Grouppe Kurosawa, Medicine in the Public Interest

http://www.grouppekurosawa.com

One of the most important anti-cancer/leukemia targets is the genetic factor NF-kappaB. In the last few years, it has become apparent that NF-kappaB is a critical factor for the continued survival of cancer stem cells. These stem cells are the ONLY cells that can promote the continued proliferation of cancer and leukemia cells.

As previously discussed, cancer and leukemia cells will die on their own if cancer stem cells are eliminated from the bulk of malignant cells. The average cancer/leukemia cell can propagate on its own for unknown generations, but eventually it will die. These cells, contrary to previous dogma, are NOT immortal. Cancer stem cells, on the other hand, are immortal. As long as they exist, the respective cancer or leukemia will not be eliminated from the body.

Three years ago a study was conducted showing that parthenolide, the active ingredient in feverfew, killed acute myeloid leukemia and chronic myeloid leukemia blast cell progenitor and stem cells. The target was NF-kappaB.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/queryd.fcgi?db=pubmed&cmd=Retrieve&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=15687234&itool=pubmed_docsum

Unfortunately, parthenolide is insoluble in water and therefore poorly bioavailable. A synthetic form of parthenolide was developed that has 70% oral bioavailability. This compound induces the rapid death of primary stem cells from myeloid and lymphoid cell populations and is toxic to the bulk tumor load. Again, the target is NF-kappaB.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/queryd.fcgi?db=pubmed&cmd=Retrieve&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=17804695&itool=pubmed_docsum

The following study, published in May of this year, did an extensive analysis of the cancer stem cells found in prostate cancers. They found that these cancer specific stem cells were pro-inflammatory. The four main pathways activated were JAK/STAT signaling, cell adhension and extracellular matrix interactions, focal adhesion signaling and WNT signaling. I will be discussing WNT signaling in the next essay. If parthenolide blocks the activation of NF-kappaB in these stem cells, the cells die of apoptosis. Normal stem cells are not affected.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/queryd.fcgi?db=pubmed&cmd=Retrieve&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=18492237&itool=pubmed_docsum

Other studies have found that cancer stem cells do not contain an excessive amount of NF-kappaB. However, in cancer stem cells the NF-kappaB is chronically activated.

The following new study is very exciting in its implications. First, it shows that NF-kappaB inhibitors such as parthenolide preferentially inhibit breast cancer stem cells. Second, it compares and contrasts parthenolide with the chemo drug paclitaxel (Taxol) with respect to their efficacy against cancer stem cells and normal cancer cells.

At a low dose of 1 microM, parthenolide inhibits the growth of cancer stem cells by 40%, and normal cancer cells by 3%. When the dose is increased to 5 microM, parthenolide inhibited stem cell growth by 95% and normal cancer cell growth by 66%.

Paclitaxel, on the other hand, at a dose of 2.5 nanoM inhibited normal cancer cell growth by 50% and stem cell growth by 40%.

The authors found that a combination of parthenolide and paclitaxel acted synergistically to reduce tumor mass in cancer bearing mice.

We have two ways to reduce NF-kappaB in cancer cells. Glutamine is the first and parthenolide is the second. Parthenolide, due to its poor bioavailability, must be administered topically in a 70% DMSO gel. I have 99% pure parthenolide if anyone wants it. It cost $100 for 10 grams payable via PayPal. The PayPal payment address is smartin@grouppekurosawa.net. The 10 grams is mixed in four ounces of the DMSO gel, a standard commercial size. Parthenolide is effective in low concentrations so a little could go a long way.

In the next essay, I will discuss the WNT pathway that stimulates the growth of cancer stem cells. Cyclic AMP inhibitors, of which there are many, inhibit this pathway.

Stay tuned...

Grouppe Kurosawa, Medicine in the Public Interest

http://www.grouppekurosawa.com

In 1995, a paper was published showing that AML, acute myeloid leukemia, was sustained by a unique population of self renewing stem cells. These stem cells have unique membrane markers and are highly resistant to radiation and chemotherapy drugs. If these stem cells are killed, AML as a disease ceases to exist.

In the last ten years, an increasing body of evidence has shown that cancer specific stem cells exist for almost all cancers, including breast, prostate, colon, pancreatic, liver, brain, osteosarcoma, and all leukemias.

When a "normal" cancer or leukemia cell divides, it produces two essentially identical cells. Since these cells have traditionally been considered "immortal", at least in contrast to normal cells, cancer cells can continue to grow without restraint.

Nothing could be further from the truth. So-called normal cancer cells are NOT immortal. In the absence of tissue specific stem cells, these cancer cells don't live very long. When a cancer stem cell divides, it produces two non-identical cells. One cell is a normal cancer cell while the other is another stem cell.

Years ago I read a study which fascinated me. This kind of study has been repeated many times with many different kind of cells.

Human breast cancer cells were treated with antibodies which targeted and killed the stem cells. The remaining breast cancer cells were injected into mice. No cancers developed. The injected cancer cells simply died on their own. As few as 100 cancer stem cells can cause cancers in mice, while thousands of stem cell depleted cancer cells cannot.

Clearly, cancer stem cells are the ultimate therapeutic target for the treatment of both cancer and leukemia. If we can narrow down our ultimate target, we have a real chance of completely eliminating cancer and leukemia from the body.

We can kill cancer stem cells by inhibiting the NF-kappaB and cyclic AMP/protein kinase A signaling pathways. It's that simple. The data will be presented in the following essays.

Stay tuned...

Grouppe Kurosawa, Medicine in the Public Interest

http://www.grouppekurosawa.com

Primary liver cancer (originates in the liver) and liver metastasis from other organs are considered fatal diseases. Maybe not...

The following email was recently sent to me by Larry, a Grouppe Kurosawa member.

Dr. Martin and fellow Kurosawa blog members:

I have an update to all. This is the post I  made on the GK discussion group on July 19th of this year:

The following is the protocol that I am currently on. I will post as to my progress and welcome anyone's feed back. I am battling to stay alive. I have been diagnosed with Primary liver cancer. I have a number of lesions in my liver, nowhere else. I am currently seeing an oncologist and taking a medication called Nexavar for Primary Liver Cancer (HCC) and have been on it for about a month. I will have MRI in Aug. to see about progress..
I was on the liver transplant list back in April but was bumped off because my cancer spread and I no longer met the criteria for the transplant.
So here I am.
Please, if anyone has any feedback, give it to me. I am currently other than severely fatigued because of the Nexavar, in very good health (ha ha)...no seriously, I am. My liver function is perfectly normal. I have great hope that something will break my way, but am also a realist. My attitude is excellent, God has given great strength and let me keep my sense of humor.
I really believe that what Dr. Martin is doing makes a lot of sense, much more that what I was doing before. At least there's science behind everything he is recommending here...

Glutamine 50g a day
Sodium Selenite 1 mg a day
Lithium Orotate  56.4mg a day
Policosanol 20mg a day
Vitamin B1 1g a day
Vitamin  D3 10,000 IU a day
Vitamin A 50,000 IU a day
Melatonin 10mg ea. night
Zinc Zulfate 50mg a day
Curcumin dissolved in Flax seed oil  12 g a day
Flax Hull lingans , SDG 30/60 mg/g 10g a day
Full Spectrum Amino Acid capsules (Prolab) 6 capsules a day

Ok. that was then. Now for the update. Please realize that I had primary liver cancer (HCC) since Jan. of '08 and the cancer was allowed to spread from Jan. until mid-June when I started on Dr. Martin's protocol and a pharmaceutical called Nexavar (a multi kinase inhibitor).

So, when I was checked at the end of Aug. the MRI showed that lesions had grown in size and cancer had progressed but had not metatastized. I also had blood work which showed normal liver function. The oncologist told me that it could be the medication was not working and that she was suprised liver function was still normal but to expect the worst. They were going to check me with CT-scan in 6 weeks and do labs in 2 weeks.

I called Dr. Martin and told him of the setback. He proposed that I up the ante. The following is the protocol I have been doing since end of August:

Glutamine 70g a day ( I weigh 190 lbs.)
Sodium Selenite 1 mg a day
Lithium Orotate  56.4mg a day
Policosanol 20mg a day
Benfotiamine (more bioavailable form of B1 or thiamine)  1 g + 500 mg a day
Vitamin  D3 10,000 IU a day
Vitamin A 1000,000 IU a day
Zinc Zulfate 50mg a day
Flax Hull lingans , SDG 30/60 mg/g 10g a day
 And added:
Cimetidine 1g a day
Sulindac  600 mg a day
DCA 1 g a day dissolved in the l-Glutamine and water  (started this Sept. 7)
3 or 4 cups of double strength Black tea (two tea bags)

In a few days I am going to add:

Mebendazole (the worm pill) 100 mg 2x a day for 5 days and then see how I feel. And discuss with Dr. Martin.


Got the labwork back yesterday (Sept.9) and oncologist said to me..."I am really quite suprised, your liver function is perfectly normal! And your liver is normal size, soft, as normal as mine. Maybe something is working because clinically you are stable. This is a good deal. I am going to look into clinical trials for you at M.D. Anderson and Baylor because as long as you are clinically stable you have for options for treatment."

So. I went from you don't have long to live at end of Aug. to "maybe something is working'? this past week. I, of course, don't know what is going on but can tell you that I have very good energy during the day, I sleep well at night , eat and breathe normally. This is a big deal. I am prepared to die but at the same time I will take any bit of light that comes my way and dance with it.

Will up date Dr. Martin in Oct. when I have my Cat-Scan . Hope this helps someone. I know one thing, Dr. Martin's protocol has caused me no adverse effects, there is a lot of good science behind everything he is recommending. To me, it is a no brainer.

One more thing: In August after my MRI my oncologist who knew I was juicing every morning said "STOP JUICING". Dr. Martin has over and over said 'NO ANTIOXIDANTS!"
I am convinced. They feed your cancer.

Onward through the fog...as we used to say in my college days. Nothing has changed really.  I will keep all you good people in my thoughts and prayers.

Larry B.

Stay tuned...

Grouppe Kurosawa, Medicine in the Public Interest

http://www.grouppekurosawa.com